The Browns will play their first game at home in the second week of the preseason when they host the Bills at Huntington Bank Field on Aug. 22.
After a joint practice with the Bills gave the chance for head coach Todd Monken to see his first team against another opponent, Monken does not anticipate their older starters playing on Saturday. Their younger starters and second-team players will have the opportunity to use the preseason game to their advantage and gain more game reps.
Here are three burning questions for the second game of the preseason.
How will QB Shedeur Sanders operate the offense?
After splitting the reps with the first team during the joint practice with the Bills, QB Shedeur Sanders is set to start against the Bills. Monken reiterated he will play the first half of the game, with QB Deshaun Watson to play the third quarter and QB Dillon Gabriel to play the fourth quarter.
Sanders had his first look at the Bills' defense in the joint practice on Thursday. During his reps, Sanders connected with WR Isaiah Bond deep across the middle of the field in the first 7-on-7 period of practice. In an 11-on-11 period, Sanders found WR Malachi Corley for a big gain across the middle of the field, as well as WR Denzel Boston near the sideline.
"It's truly exciting because they have a different scheme than our defense does," Sanders said. "So, it's great to get those practice reps in and make it feel as close as possible to the game, and to grow in those areas, also, in which you see in different keys and structures that they have. I'm truly excited about it. I know they have a great defense, a great challenge ahead, and I'm just happy to be able to be a part of it."
He will have the chance to use that experience against the first team in the preseason game and continue to demonstrate how he can operate the Browns' offense as they continue through the quarterback competition.
Check out the top shots from Day 18 of 2026 Browns Training Camp as the team hosted a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Jared Verse (8) and Offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers (63) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Tylan Wallace (16) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive guard Zion Johnson (77) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Tyre Phillips (69) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Head Coach Todd Monken during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Bills Outside linebacker Greg Rousseau (15) and Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Jared Verse (8) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) and Bills Safety Damar Hamlin (3) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Austin Barber (58) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Head Coach Todd Monken during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
A joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) and Bills Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (22) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Jermaine Terry (85) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Ben Patterson (38) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Bills Outside linebacker Greg Rousseau (15) and Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Tylan Wallace (16) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Zion Washington (34) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Drew Biber (43) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Players during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Pass Game Coordinator Ephraim Banda and Bills Outside linebacker Greg Rousseau (15) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Bill Walsh Fellow Kade Rannings during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) and Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) and Bills Safety Damar Hamlin (3) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Ben Patterson (38) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Assistant Wide Receivers Coach John Wozniak during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Joel Bitonio and Gregory Industries Chief Executive Officer Matthew Gregory during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (68) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Jared Verse (8) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Austin Barber (58) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Austin Barber (58) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Former NFL player Kwon Alexander during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Jermaine Terry (85) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Gregory Industries Chief Executive Officer Matthew Gregory and Joel Bitonio during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Khordae Sydnor (90) and Bills Cornerback Jordan Dunbar (36) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Jared Verse (8) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Joel Bitonio and Gregory Industries Chief Executive Officer Matthew Gregory during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Davon Booth (29) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Bills Defensive lineman Travis Clayton (67) and Senior Director of Player Development James Cook during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
The offense during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Day 18 of Training Camp on August 20, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
How will the Browns utilize the run game?
In the joint practice against the Bills, the Browns' running backs found multiple lanes to run the ball during team drills. RB Dylan Sampson utilized holes created by the offensive line to find space and run the ball.
RB Raheim Sanders also found space to run. In the final 11-on-11 period of practice, Sanders took a handoff to the right and cut back, staying in bounds down the left sideline for a gain deep into the red zone. His teammates ran down the field to celebrate with him following the big gain.
"We weren't getting double-teamed every other snap, and we were prepared," Monken said following the joint practice. "We prepared for this practice, what we thought we'd see. I'll have to see the tape. It felt like we played more physical, felt like we were at the point of attack, more aggressive."
During the 2025 season, the Bills allowed an average of 136.2 rushing yards per game, ranked 28th in the league. However, in their first preseason game, the Bills limited the Panthers to just 61 net rushing yards.
Cleveland totaled 108 net rushing yards in the first preseason game against the Bills, including a 14-yard rushing touchdown by WR KC Concepcion and a 28-yard gain from RB Davon Booth. If the Browns can create those opportunities to use the ground game, they can move the ball downfield into scoring position.
How will the Browns limit the passing attack?
Regardless of whether the Bills' starters play during the second week of the preseason after a successful joint practice, the Browns' defense will have to defend well against the pass – both with their pressure on the quarterbacks and the coverage of receivers.
In the Bills' first preseason game, QB Josh Allen completed six passes for 111 passing yards and one touchdown in the first quarter, while backup quarterback Kyle Allen completed 14 of 16 passing attempts for 108 yards in the final minutes of the first and through the second quarter. The Bills finished the game with 245 net passing yards and one passing touchdown.
The Bills have multiple weapons among their pass catchers, creating options for their quarterbacks to throw the ball to. However, if the Browns attack front can apply ample pressure, while their secondary can disrupt their receivers, they could limit the Bills in moving the ball downfield through the air.
During the joint practice against the Bills, the Browns' defense made a number of plays. DT Mason Graham tipped a pass from Josh Allen during an 11-on-11 period, while LB Nathaniel Watson broke up a pass by Kyle Allen in another 11-on-11 period.
